What is the relation between the input and output current of a generic efficient ( not just a zener diode) DC voltage stablizer ie: If the input voltage equals 15 V the stabilized voltage equals 12V and the output current equals 2A whats the input current of the stabilizer? Does the input current decrease with input voltage ?
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For linear regulators (such as 78xx, LM317) the input current is equal to the output current, plus a little bit to power the regulation circuit.
For a switch mode regulator, the power input is equal to the power output plus a little for regulator inefficiency.

Peter Bennett
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